From Pods to Grounds, We Found the Best Dual Coffee Makers That Do It All
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Dual coffee makers are great when your coffee routine isn't the same every day. You can fix a fast cup on your way out the door or make a full potwhen you have people over, all in one machine. However, not all dual coffee makers are the same. Some let you choose between pods and coffee grounds, while others work only with grounds. Certain models also offer espresso capabilities or come with a milk frother, giving you the ultimate in variety.
Our top picks:
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Best Overall: Cuisinart 4-In-1 Coffee Machine
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Most Versatile: Braun MultiServe Drip Coffee Maker
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Best Without Pods: Oxo 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function
Over the years, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab has tested more than 100 coffee makers, brewing over 1,000 cups in the process. I test the latest coffee makers year-round, and in addition to drip and single-serve machines , I've evaluated every type of coffee maker you can imagine, from Nespresso machines to espresso makers , coffee makers with grinders, and many more. Each machine is assessed for performance and ease of use. I also conduct taste tests, with both experts and everyday coffee drinkers, to ensure every machine brews a delicious cup of coffee.
Cuisinart 4-In-1 Coffee Machine
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:People who want multiple brewing options, including K-Cups and Nespresso pods.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:In Lab tests, this machine produced a piping-hot cup of coffee, and tasters noted that it delivered a well-balanced, flavorful brew. At-home testers who have been using this for over a year have found the coffee machine reliable.
WHAT TO KNOW:If you like having options for your coffee, then you'll love this Cuisinart 4-in-1 coffee maker. This machine impressed me because most single-serve models only take K-Cups or Nespresso capsules, leaving you to choose which one you prefer. However, this coffee maker is compatible with both K-cups and Nespresso capsules, earning this dual coffee machine a spot in our Kitchen Awards. Plus, you can also use your own coffee in the reusable filter cup , giving you all the options for single-serve. It makes up to 12 cups of coffee in a carafe, and you can choose from 6-, 8-, and 10-ounce single-serve sizes.
TAKE NOTE:In Lab testing, I found the control panel is easy to read but not as intuitive as I'd like. Our at-home testers were split: Some found it very easy to use, while others did not. One tester also noted it's a very bulky machine.
- Compatible with K-Cups and Nespresso capsules
- Brews hot coffee
- Makes balanced, flavorful coffee
- Control panel has a learning curve
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Coffee Maker
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:Those who want an affordable machine with a slim profile.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:This machine brewed hot coffee and kept it warm for two hours. Our experts found the coffee tasted delicious with a medium body.
The coffee maker is simple to use, and I appreciate that the grounds basket swings out rather than opening upward, so you don't need to worry about accessing it if it's positioned under a lower cabinet.
One of the at-home testers has used this machine for over a year and gave it a high score, noting that it still works consistently well.
WHAT TO KNOW:It's hard to miss this Hamilton Beach machine with its extremely slim and unique design that holds the carafe in the side rather than the front. It makes a full pot of coffee for up to 12 cups, as well as single-serve cups, all for about $100.The single-serve feature lets you brew with either K-Cups or your own grounds in a reusable pod. Its 60-ounce water reservoir can be positioned on the back or side, depending on your needs.
TAKE NOTE:I love the distinctive streamlined look of this machine, but one thing I noticed while testing is that since the carafe pulls out from the right, you'll need to avoid placing it near walls or anything that might block access.
- Slim design
- Option to use K-Cups or coffee grounds for single-serve
- Water tank can be positioned on the side or back
- Access to the carafe is on the right, so it can't be placed near a wall on that side.
Braun MultiServe Drip Coffee Maker
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:People who want many options for size and drink types.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:The Braun MultiServe stood out in our Lab tests for brewing rich coffee in about ten minutes. I found the coffee had a clean, smooth finish with no bitter aftertaste. It has continued to perform well over the last year for our at-home tester.
WHAT TO KNOW:This coffee maker is a favorite of one of our staff members, who loves its slim design and washable carafe, plus it's held up well in their home for the last few years. It makes flavorful coffee, and a single cup tastes just as strong as a whole carafe.Choose from seven brew sizes, from a 5-ounce cup to a full 10-cup pot.
If you like iced coffee, there's also an option for that, along with cold brew and gold and bold strengths. The gold setting meets the Specialty Coffee Association of America Standard for brewing, so you can savor what the SCA deems the "perfect cup". For tea drinkers or anything that requires hot water, there's a built-in water outlet that's separate from the coffee dispenser, so you don't have to worry about any leftover coffee getting into your drink.
TAKE NOTE:This isn't compatible with any type of pod, though one of our at-home testers prefers not using any type of capsule.
- Makes tasty coffee
- Option for iced coffee
- Slim design
- Not compatible with coffee pods
DeLonghi All-in-One Combination Maker & Espresso Machine
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:Those who want to brew drip coffee and espresso.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:In testing, this machine kept our coffee warm for two hours and even made it hotter. Our experts agreed that it made flavorful drip coffee and espresso with a nice, even crema. I found the machine easy to use, and the cup warmer on top of the espresso side is a nice added touch.
WHAT TO KNOW:De'Longhi's all-in-one coffee maker and espresso machine is a serious multitasker. In this one machine, you can make drip coffee and espresso shots, froth milk for lattes, and more.It has a dual heating system, so you can brew a pot of coffee and pull a shot of espresso simultaneously. One of our pros has been using this De'Longhi coffee maker for two years and says she is pleased with the coffee's quality, adding, "For the footprint, quality, price, and versatility, I think it's a great pick."
The espresso side has its own removable water reservoir, separate from the drip coffee section, so you won't need to refill it as frequently. You can pull shots using your own pre-ground beans or use Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) coffee pods.
TAKE NOTE:This machine doesn't grind coffee beans, so you'll need a separate coffee grinder .
- Makes espresso for lattes, cappuccinos, and more
- Brews tasty drip coffee and espresso
- Compact footprint for having so many drink options
- Does not have a built-in coffee grinder
Oxo 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:Those who want to use ground coffee in a compact dual machine.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:This model earned top performance scores in Lab testing, brewing hot coffee quickly, and I found this machine easy to set up and use. Taste testers loved the coffee from this machine, saying it was nicely balanced without tasting bitter.An at-home tester has used this machine every morning for the last year without having any issues. Another consumer tester stated that they appreciate the metal carafe keeping the coffee hot.
WHAT TO KNOW:This sleek Oxo coffee maker may look like a regular drip coffee maker, but it has the bonus of making single-serve coffee without having a separate dispenser, so it takes up less room.
It comes with a full-size and single-serve basket, which get placed in the same spot when making coffee, and I found it easy to swap back and forth. Depending on how much coffee you're brewing, you'll have to swap the baskets out for the appropriate size.
You won't need to buy coffee pods, since this machine uses ground coffeeand can brew up to 4 cups directly into your mug. If you want a full pot instead, just switch to the larger basket, which can produce up to 12 cups.
TAKE NOTE:The water reservoir is not detachable, so you can't fill it at the sink, but the opening is wide, so you don't have to worry about spilling.
- Brews single-serve and carafe in the same basket
- Makes nicely-balanced coffee
- Wide opening to pour water into reservoir
- Does not have detachable water reservoir
Other dual coffee makers we tested and liked (but may not be for everyone)
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Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: This machine is geared toward coffee enthusiasts, with features such as adjustable bloom time and temperature. It's an excellent machine, but it comes with a high price tag, and those seeking quick and convenient coffee may not enjoy fussing with the extra features.
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Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus: This is one of the few dual coffee makers that automatically grinds beans when making a full pot. In Lab testing, I found it performed well, making piping hot coffee quickly. It earned average scores in taste tests, which is surprising given that it grinds fresh beans. However, this may be a good pick for someone who values the convenience of having a built-in grinder.
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How we test dual coffee makers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab has been testing coffee makers for decades, brewing well over 1,000 cups in the process. For dual coffee makers, our evaluations focus on ease of use, performance and taste.
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✔️ Ease of use:We assess how straightforward each machine is to set up and operate. Testers note how intuitive the controls feel, how easy the water reservoir is to access and fill, and whether markings on the carafe and tank are clear. We also evaluate cleaning, including whether parts are dishwasher-safe and whether any components are difficult to reach.
Philip Friedman
✔️ Performance:When assessing performance, we measure the temperature of the coffee after brewing and how long it takes to brew. For carafes, we take the temperature of the coffee after a two-hour period to make sure the coffee stays hot.
✔️ Taste:Using the same coffee across all machines, we brew both drip and single-serve coffees and have a panel of taste testers evaluate each cup. Scores reflect balance, bitterness and overall flavor quality.
Philip Friedman
What to look for when shopping for the best dual coffee makers
✔️ Coffee drink options:Not all dual coffee makers have the same drink options. Beyond drip coffee and single-serve, some machines can also make coffee over ice, specialty concentrated coffee, espresso, and pour-over, which you'll want to consider based on your needs. Another thing to keep in mind is the options for single-use pods, including K-Cups, reusable pods, Nespresso capsules, and ESE pods. Some single-serve coffee makers also use ground coffee in a brew basket, so you don't have to buy additional capsules.
✔️ Brew sizes:Even though most dual coffee makers have serving size options, they can vary with each machine. Most single-serve options include 6-, 8-, and 10-ounce sizes. However, some machines offer less common sizes, such as a 5-ounce cup or an XL travel mug. Full carafe options are typically 10 or 12 cups.
✔️ Machine size:Consider the size of the machine and the footprint. Some dual coffee makers are bulkier because they have separate spaces for the carafe and single-serve coffee, whereas others have a slimmer design. The trade-off for a slimmer machine is often that it may not be compatible with pods, but that's not always the case.
✔️ Type of coffee:When it comes to single-serve cups of coffee, the options for brewing are using a single-use pod or pre-ground coffee. Single-use pods like K-Cups or Nespresso capsules are more convenient but more expensive than ground coffee. Using coffee grounds lets you choose exactly which coffee you want, rather than being limited to single-use flavors. Single-serve options that use coffee grounds typically use reusable or paper filters or a reusable pod. Drip coffee makers with carafes either use ground coffee or whole beans.
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What else can dual coffee makers brew besides hot coffee?
Besides full pots of coffee and single-serve, some dual coffee makers have specific settings for making other drinks, such as iced coffee, cold brew, or coffee concentrate.
Iced coffee is brewed at a lower temperature setting, so when it comes out of the machine, it's not as hot and won't melt the ice as much.
In cold brew, dual coffee machines keep the grounds submerged in water. However, most machines use low heat and a shortened time cycle, so it's not what's considered traditional cold brew.
Some machines also make coffee concentrate which is very potent coffee and mimics espresso. The coffee concentrate can make drinks like lattes, cappuccinos or Americanos without tasting weak. It's also handy to make iced coffee because it won't taste watered down.
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More top-tested coffee machines and appliances
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda has nearly two decades of experience in product development and manufacturing. She tests and writes about everything coffee-related year-round, including espresso makers, coffee grinders, drip coffee makers, French presses, and more. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) courses in coffee brewing, barista skills, and sensory tasting. She regularly tests and contributes her knowledge as a judge in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Awards.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing and content related to cooking and making drinks, including coffee makers. She continually road tests different coffee makers throughout the year.
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